Backpack/seat combination

ABSTRACT

An improved backpack/seat combination includes a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing the interior volume, the main container constructed of a rigid material and at least one backpack strap mounted on the main container. A seat back/lumbar support structure includes a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a seat back support bar, the seat back support bar at least one of adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on the main container. Finally, the seat back/lumbar support pad is movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent the rear wall of the container box and towards the base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above the top lid of the container box by at least one of adjusting, pivoting and moving the seat back support bar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

This application claims priority based on a provisional patent, specifically on the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/777,898 filed Mar. 1, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to storage device/seat combinations and, more particularly, to a hard sided backpack which includes a container with a top lid which pivots to provide access to the interior of the container, a seat cushion mounted on top of the lid such that the container may be used as a seat, and a seat back/lumbar support structure mounted on the inner side of the container which is pivotable between a lumbar support position when the backpack is being worn and a seat back position when the container is being used as a seat.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Hunting and fishing are pastimes and hobbies enjoyed by millions of people in the United States, by people of all ages and from all walks of life. One of the problems encountered by many hunters and fishers, however, is that it is becoming more and more difficult to find uncrowded locations to pursue their hobby, as many popular locations have now been over-hunted or over-fished. This results in many hunters and fishers having to go deeper into the wilderness to find desirable locations, and therefore it becomes vital to transport all necessary equipment with them to such a remote location. To this end, numerous types of backpacks and carrying bags have been proposed in the prior art which attempt to address and solve this problem.

Another problem encountered by both hunters and fishers is that both pursuits require their practitioners to undergo long periods of inactivity while waiting for an animal to pass by or a fish to strike. While younger hunters and fishers can endure these periods without substantial discomfort, older persons, or those having injuries or disabilities, cannot remain standing for such an extended period of time without encountering some degree of discomfort. Ideally, these persons would be able to sit down during these periods of inactivity and, to this end, numerous types of portable chairs and seats have been disclosed in the prior art which are designed to be carried by a person to the location where the hunting or fishing activity will take place and, upon arriving at the location, can be used as a seat for the hunter or fisher. However, when the hunter or fisher has to carry not only his or her equipment bag or backpack but also carry a portable seat or chair, it becomes more and more difficult to enjoy the hunting or fishing expedition when one is burdened by all of those items to be carried.

One other problem encountered with these portable chairs and seats is that many of them do not include a seat back, which substantially detracts from the comfort level available during use of the chair or seat. There is therefore a need for a portable chair or seat which includes a seat back and further includes a storage and carrying section which can be used to transport necessary equipment for the hunter or fisher.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination for outdoorsmen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination which may be quickly and easily converted from a backpack configuration for carrying objects to a seat configuration capable of supporting a person thereon in a seated position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination which includes a seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a rearwardly-facing position which is generally adjacent the lumbar area of the wearer's back when the backpack is being worn for additional lumbar support and a forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above the top of the backpack for supporting the back of the user when the device is being used as a seat.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination in which the backpack includes a container box constructed of a rigid material such as PVC molded plastic or the like so that the container box provides a sturdy and secure storage and support structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination which is generally fluid- or liquid-tight with the top lid closed and sealed to protect the contents of the container box from external contaminants.

Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved backpack/seat combination which is relatively simple and durable in construction and is safe, efficient and effective in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved backpack/seat combination which includes a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing the interior volume, the main container constructed of a rigid material and at least one backpack strap mounted on the main container. A seat back/lumbar support structure includes a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a seat back support bar, the seat back support bar at least one of adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on the main container. Finally, the seat back/lumbar support pad is movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent the rear wall of the container box and towards the base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above the top lid of the container box by at least one of adjusting, pivoting and moving the seat back support bar.

The present invention as thus described provides substantial advantages over those devices and backpacks found in the prior art. For example, because the main container is rigid and generally fluid-tight, objects being carried within the container receive maximum protection against external contaminants and accidental damage. Also, because the top lid is reinforced, the seat may be used by many different sizes of people, and even may be used by larger persons who may be most in need of the seat. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the seat back/lumbar support pad is a single structural element in the present invention and is movable from the lumbar support position which provides increased comfort for the user of the present invention when the main container is being carried as a backpack and through a relatively simple moving and pivoting process converts into the seat back position positioned above the top lid which provides back support for a person seated on the main container. Such a single element providing these two functions is not found in the prior art, and therefore it is believed that these improvements are deserving of protection. It is therefore seen that the present invention provides a substantial improvement over those devices found in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the backpack/seat combination of the present invention being worn by a user;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the backpack/seat combination of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing the elements thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the backpack/seat combination showing the seat back/lumbar support being raised to the seat back position; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevational views of the present invention showing the seat back/lumbar support being pivoted from its lumbar support position to the raised seat back position and the process by which that operation is performed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention is shown best in FIGS. 1-6 as including a main container 12 having a front wall 14, rear wall 16, side walls 18 a and 18 b, base wall 20, and a top lid 22, with the general shape of the main container 12 being a rectangular box having dimensions of approximately twelve to thirty inches in height, ten to twenty inches in width, and ten to twenty inches in depth, although these dimensions may be modified or changed depending on the materials to be carried in the main container 12 and the size of the hunter or fisher using the device. In the preferred embodiment, the main container 12 would be constructed of a sturdy plastic or metal material, although a reinforced plastic material such as molded PVC is preferred due to the savings in weight.

Lid 22 is preferably pivotally mounted on top of the main container 12, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, by a pair of lid hinges 24 a and 24 b mounted on side wall 18 a. Mounted on opposite side wall 18 b is a lid latch 26 which releasably secures lid 22 on main container 12 to cover and enclose the interior of main container 12, as shown best in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment, lid 22, when closed on main container 12, would form a generally liquid-tight seal to generally prevent incursion of liquids into the interior of the main container 12, thus protecting the object stored there within. It is further preferred that lid 22 include internal structural reinforcements which will permit the lid 22 to function as the base of a seat, as will be described later in this disclosure. The lid 22 would preferably be able to support in excess of two hundred fifty pounds (250 lbs.) such that a majority of persons who own the device may use it for its intended purpose as a seat. Of course, however, the specific design of the lid 22 is not critical to the present invention so long as the functional characteristic of permitting the lid 22 to function as a seat base is fulfilled. Finally, for additional comfort, a seat pad 28 would be releasably mounted on the top of lid 22, the seat pad 28 preferably being constructed of a sturdy water-resistant fabric material such as nylon or polyester with the interior of the seat pad 28 being stuffed with a cushioning material to enhance the comfort of a person sitting on the seat pad 28, although the exact size, shape and construction materials used in connection with the seat pad 28 are not critical to the present invention.

Mounted on rear wall 16 of main container 12 is a backpack pad 30 which extends rearwards and outwards from the rear wall 16 to permit the main container 12 to be carried as a backpack, the backpack pad 30 consisting of a generally rectangular vinyl or fabric-covered foam pad which extends forwards from the rear wall 16 approximately two to four inches, depending on the amount of cushioning desired and the spacing needed for comfortable carrying of the main container 12. A pair of backpack straps 32 a and 32 b would extend forwards from the rear wall 16 of main container 12, as shown best in FIGS. 1-3, the backpack straps 32 a and 32 b preferably being adjustable fabric straps of the kind commonly used for backpacks and carrying bags, and it should be further noted that many different types of backpack straps may be used in connection with the present invention so long as the intended purpose of supporting the main container 12 on the person's back is maintained. Also, it may be preferable to include a releasable chest connector strap (not shown) which extends between and connects the two backpack straps 32 a and 32 b in the front of the straps across the wearer's chest. The chest connector strap is operative to secure the backpack straps 32 a and 32 b on the wearer's shoulders and further acts to help distribute the weight of the main container 12 across the chest and shoulders instead of relying on only the shoulders for support thereof. Of course, such chest connector straps are not critical to the present invention, but it has been found that they will improve the comfort level of the user of the present invention, and therefore their inclusion is desirable.

While the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention as thus described includes many features currently found in the prior art, the device includes another unique feature which is not found in the prior art and which is integral to the operation of the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention. Specifically, the present invention further includes a seat back/lumbar support structure 40 which includes a pair of upright tubes 42 a and 42 b mounted on rear wall 16 of main container 12, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the preferred embodiment, upright tubes 42 a and 42 b would be constructed of a sturdy metal or plastic material and would be either square or circular in cross-sectional shape. Slidably mounted within each of the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b are a pair of seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b which fit within a respective one of the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, with the external diameter of each of the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b being less than the internal diameter of the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b to permit the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b to slide up and down within the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b. In the preferred embodiment, upright tubes 42 a and 42 b would have lengths of approximately eight to fifteen inches and seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b would have lengths of approximately seven to twelve inches, depending on the size of the main container 12 and the height at which the seat back is to be supported.

Pivotably mounted on and extending between the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b is a generally U-shaped seat back support bar 46 having a base end 48 on which is mounted the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 and top ends 50 a and 50 b, as shown best in FIG. 3. The seat back support bar 46 would be pivotably mounted on the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b by a pair of bolts 52 a and 52 b which extend through the seat back support bar 46 intermediate the base end 48 and top ends 50 a and 50 b and through the respective one of the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b adjacent the upper ends thereof to permit the seat back support bar 46 to pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b, as will be discussed herein.

Once each of the elements of the seat back/lumbar support structure 40 of the present invention are assembled, the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b are slid into the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b with the seat back support bar 46 pivoted such that the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is below the bolts 52 a and 52 b such that the base end 48 of seat back support bar 46 is below the top ends 50 a and 50 b of seat back support bar 46, as shown best in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b are prevented from sliding downwards within upright tubes 42 a and 42 b due to the presence of the bolts 52 a and 52 b connecting seat back support bar 46 to the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b and the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 mounted on seat back support bar 46 rests against the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b as the seat back support bar 46 rests against the rear wall 16 of main container 12, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2. As can be seen best in FIG. 1, however, one of the significant features of the seat back/lumbar support structure 40 of the present invention is that when the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is in the lumbar support position shown therein, it cooperates with backpack pad 30 to render carrying of the main container 12 far more comfortable than it would be possible if only the backpack pad 30 were being used for back support of the main container 12. By modifying the size, shape, and thickness of the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, the comfort level may be increased or adjusted depending on the needs of the user of the present invention. It is well-known that increased lumbar support for heavy items being carried on one's back greatly increase the comfort and wearability of such a backpack device, and it can be seen that the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 of the present invention, when in its lumbar support position, will fulfill that purpose.

The truly unique design feature of the seat back/lumbar support structure 40 only becomes apparent when the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is to be moved from its lumbar support position to its seat back position, which is shown best in FIG. 4. The following procedure is followed to shift the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 from the lumbar support position to the seat back position, and would involve the seat back support bar 46 being pivoted about the bolts 52 a and 52 b to swing the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 outwards away from the rear wall 16, as shown best in FIG. 5. The seat back support bar 46 is then moved upwards with seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b sliding upwards within upright tubes 42 a and 42 b, as shown in FIG. 6. When the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b have been slid upwards a sufficient height to allow the top ends 50 a and 50 b of seat back support bar 46 to freely pivot over and above lid 22 of main container 12, as shown in FIG. 6, the seat back support bar 46 is pivoted about bolts 52 a and 52 b into the upright position shown as the dotted lines in FIG. 6 such that the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is positioned above the bolts 52 a and 52 b. The seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b are then slid back down within upright tubes 42 a and 42 b with the seat back support bar 46 extending upwards generally parallel with the seat back mounting bars 44 a and 44 b and with seat back/lumbar support pad 54 positioned above the bolts 52 a and 52 b, as shown best in FIG. 4. The seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is now in position to serve as a seat back for a person seated on the main container 12, specifically on lid 22 sitting on seat pad 28. As a person seated on the seat pad 28 leans back against the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, the seat back support bar 46 attempts to pivot about bolts 52 a and 52 b, but because the top ends 50 a and 50 b of the seat back support bar 46 extend below the bolts 52 a and 52 b when the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is in its seat back position, the top ends 50 a and 50 b contact the rear wall 16 of main container 12 and therefore rearward pivoting of the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is restricted due to that pivot-preventing contact. Finally, when the individual using the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention as a seat is finished with such use, he or she merely reverses the pivoting process described in connection with seat back/lumbar support structure 40 to return the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 to its lumbar support position. The backpack/seat combination 10 may then be returned to its position supported on the wearer's back, as shown in FIG. 1, for further transport thereof.

An additional feature of the present invention is that the backpack/seat combination 10 may further include a plurality of outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 which are mounted on front wall 14 and side walls 18 a and 18 b, as shown best in FIGS. 1-3. In the preferred embodiment, the outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 would be formed of a sturdy fabric material and include zippers, snaps or the like to releasably close the pockets for securement of items therewithin. Of course, the exact size, shape, and number of outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 is not critical to the present invention, but it has been found that providing easily accessible external storage areas renders the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention even more useful for hunters and fishers.

It is to be understood that numerous additions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention which fall within the intended broad scope of the above description. For example, the size, shape, and construction materials used in connection with each of the elements of the present invention may be modified or changed so long as the functional characteristics of those structures are neither degraded nor destroyed. Furthermore, although the backpack straps 32 a and 32 b are shown as being mounted on the upright tubes 42 a and 42 b mounted on rear wall 16, it should be understood that the backpack straps 32 a and 32 b may be mounted on any appropriate location on the main container 12 so long as the functional characteristics of providing a safe, secure, and comfortable support strap structure for carrying the main container 12 is provided. Also, it should be noted that the interior of main container 12 may include numerous types of internal structures such as drawers, pockets, sleeves, smaller containers, and many other types of dividing and organizing structures, any of which would be understood by one skilled in the art of storage containers, particularly storage containers for use by hunters and fishers. It should further be noted that use of the present invention is certainly not limited to only hunting and fishing activities, but is designed for use by any persons who would find useful the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention, such as campers, bird watchers, sporting event spectators and many other persons engaged in many other activities. Finally, although the seat back support bar 46 has been described as a generally U-shaped bar, it could conceivably be replaced by two upright, generally parallel bars which mount to the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, and furthermore seat back/lumbar support pad 54 may also include a rear backing plate 56 to provide additional structural stability for the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, and such modifications and substitutions should be understood to be a part of this disclosure.

There has therefore been shown and described a backpack/seat combination 10 which accomplishes at least all of its intended purposes. 

1. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main container constructed of a rigid material; at least one backpack strap mounted on said main container; a seat back/lumbar support structure including a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a seat back support bar, said seat back support bar at least one of adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on said main container; and said seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said container box and towards said base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid of said container box by at least one of adjusting, pivoting and moving said seat back support bar.
 2. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising; a pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear wall of said main container; a pair of seat back mounting bars each slidably mounted within one of said pair of upright tubes; a generally U-shaped seat back support bar having a center base section and opposite top ends, said seat back support bar pivotably mounted on and extending between said seat back mounting bars intermediate said center base section and said top ends generally adjacent the upper ends of said seat back mounting bars to permit said seat back support bar to pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars; and said seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said container box and towards said base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower position to said upper position, said seat back mounting bars being lowered within said upright tubes such that said opposite top ends of said seat back support bar are positioned below said top lid and said seat back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from rearward rotation due to engagement of said opposite top ends with said rear wall of said container box.
 3. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising a backpack pad mounted on said rear wall of said main container which extends rearwards and outwards therefrom.
 4. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 wherein said top lid and said main container form a generally fluid-tight seal whereby incursion of external contaminants into said main container is generally prevented.
 5. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising at least one external pocket mounted on one of said front and side walls of said main container.
 6. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising two adjustable-length backpack straps, each mounted on said rear wall of said main container.
 7. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main container constructed of a rigid material; at least one backpack strap mounted on said main container; a seat back/lumbar support structure including; a pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear wall of said main container; a pair of seat back mounting bars each slidably mounted within one of said pair of upright tubes; a seat back support bar pivotably mounted on and extending between said seat back mounting bars generally adjacent the upper ends of said seat back mounting bars to permit said seat back support bar to pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars; a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on said seat back support bar; said seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said container box and towards said base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower position to said upper position and said seat back mounting bars being lowered within said upright tubes whereby said seat back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from rearward rotation due to engagement of said seat back support bar with said rear wall of said container box.
 8. The backpack/seat combination of claim 7 further comprising a backpack pad mounted on said rear wall of said main container which extends rearwards and outwards therefrom.
 9. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main container constructed of a rigid material; a backpack pad mounted on said rear wall of said main container which extends rearwards and outwards therefrom; at least one backpack strap mounted on said main container; a seat back/lumbar support structure including; a pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear wall of said main container on opposite sides of said backpack pad; a pair of seat back mounting bars each slidably mounted within one of said pair of upright tubes; a generally U-shaped seat back support bar having a center base section and opposite top ends, said seat back support bar pivotably mounted on and extending between said seat back mounting bars intermediate said center base section and said top ends generally adjacent the upper ends of said seat back mounting bars to permit said seat back support bar to pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars; a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on said center base section of said seat back support bar; said seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said container box and towards said base wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower position to said upper position, said seat back mounting bars being lowered within said upright tubes such that said opposite top ends of said seat back support bar are positioned below said top lid and said seat back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from rearward rotation due to engagement of said opposite top ends with said rear wall of said container box. 